How to 'toughen up' (or dress down) a pink and/or girly dress

Are you one of those people that looks a really pretty and feminine dress and thinks: "Oh, how beautiful! If only I could wear something like that", but feels they could never wear something that girly?  I am one of them.  Not my sister, she wears girly, frilly, lacy and floral with not one moment's hesitation, even with strappy feminine sandals.

Or, perhaps you have a beautiful dress hanging in your closet but feel you can only wear them on the rare 'formal' occasion?

Either way, for those who would like to wear a feminine girly dress (and yes, even in pink), here are some ideas on how I would wear it.  For some reason I don't feel comfortable in a girly feminine dress and strappy high heels, I need to pair them with something sporty or 'biker chic', or roughen it up a little.

Case in point: this beautiful and romantic pink broderie anglaise dress by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, via Avenue 32.  As you may know by now, I am a huuuuuge fan of online shopping, and Avenue 32 is one of all-time favourite stores.  Not only do they stock some of my favourite designers (Roksanda, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Maticevski), but also amazing new designers that I absolutely love discovering (e.g. Litkovskaya, Anna K, and more).

 Pink and pretty: Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini broderie anglaise dress

 I loved mixing the delicate and feminine broderie anglaise with some texture, like fur (and further down, leather), and tough 'motorcycle' boots

Jacket: Dries Van Noten (old), Boots: Balenciaga, Dress: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini (available at Avenue 32)

Pair a feminine dress with a little something sporty, I'm a big fan of bombers, and this is my new favourite, from Zara (!), love its beautiful embroidery!

I paired the dress with two sporty pieces, the bomber jacket and my trusty sneakers...I live in flats and sneakers, comfort is paramount, and not just for my feet, I feel more comfortable in my own skin too...

Dress: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini (available at Avenue 32), Jacket: Zara, Sneakers: Adidas x Topshop (similar here)

 Nothing like a good black leather jacket to pair with a girly dress...my Helmut Lang jacket is one of my favourite buys of 2015, it goes with almost everything!

 Frilly details...

 And of course, one of my favourite footwear choice for a feminine dress: none at all, cozing up at home with a sweater thrown over, or barefoot on a beach (I will be bringing this dress with me to Byron Bay next week), love the contrast of cozy with girly...

In a nutshell, my favourite pieces to wear with a feminine dress are:

*Sporty-chic jackets like bombers, and silk hooded jackets

*Leather motorcycle jackets Faux-fur or denim jackets 

*Oversized chunky knit cardigans

* Tee-shirt, turtleneck or fine knit crewneck sweater under the dress

*Footwear of choice: mid-heel boots (with a chunky heel, like Isabel Marant Dicker boots), sneakers, Oxfords (like my favourite Dieppa Restrepo Cali oxfords), perhaps flat strappy sandals.

How about you, how do you wear your pink and/or feminine dresses? 

Outdoor photography by: Kevin Khaw

Indoor photography: me

Happy Friday everyone!
x
CC

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Uniqlo x Lemaire - a match made in Sartorial Heaven

Hello there! I am still here, and apologize for my absence! Life's been a little crazy lately!

But I have decided I will try my best to keep this blog updated from now on...

So thought I'd start with one of my all-time favourite 'designer' collaborations ever, which was Christopher Lemaire's final collection for Uniqlo.  Since last year I have been a huge Uniqlo fan, with its affordable basics for the entire family, from my little ones, to Mr Brigs. I especially love their Heattech range (of thin yet warm thermal clothes), which I first heard about from Susie Bubble many years ago.

And of course, I am a huge fan of Christophe Lemaire's work, not only for his own label, but also during his stint as creative director at Hermès.  Love his crisp, paired-back simplicity and flawlessly tailored designs, and wonderfully edgy silhouettes.

Now I know I am a little late to blog about this collection, but since it is almost all I have been wearing lately, I thought I'd share anyway.  I put in countless orders in for this range, as I became enamoured with the entire collection (and not just the womenswear, but the menswear too, some of which went into Mr Brigs wardrobe, but some actually went into mine).  I zero-ed in on the mustard yellow pieces, as it is a colour I love but cannot find often in silhouettes I like.  Not only were the pieces beautifully designed, the quality was impeccable, beautifully tailored, timeless and classic but with an evident edge to them.

 This yellow mesh polo sweater is one of my favourites of the collection, I'm so glad I checked the store the night before the range was meant to be released, as it (and the rest of the collection) was already there, so I pounced on it before it sold out.

Bag: Balenciaga Navy Pochette (available at Matches), Sandals: Sydney Sandal Co. (the comfiest sandal ever, these are so delicious on!), Swimsuit: Seafolly,

Here I layered the v-neck knit over the milano sleeveless rib dress, for a double-dose of yellow, in a beautiful ribbed fabric - love the texture and quality of these, so luxe!
Bag: Mansur Gavriel backpack (love it in pink!), Shoes: Adidas Superstars (available in b&w here)

 Lemaire's expert tailoring in 'gaucho' culottes and blazer

Borrowed from the 'boys': Chambray blouson 'shirt/jacket' and pleated elasticated pants, with a cashmere-blend sleeveless tank from the women's range (oh so soft and versatile!)

 I also got the cashmere-blended bodysuit (and in white too), these are so comfy, cut beautifully and so versatile!

Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (available at Net-a-Porter, Forward, and My Theresa ) , Bracelet: Céline

I'm embarrassed to say this is only a fraction of the items I got, anyone else a fan of this collaboration? Or of Lemaire? Or Uniqlo?

For daily updates, you can follow me on Instagram.

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My two cents on (portable) scents

So woo hoo, I am back in warmer climates, having escaped Australian Winter (which can be quite cold where I live), for the perennial warm weather in South East Asia.

This month will be a hectic one, travel-wise, and I'm not complaining one bit (I am an eternal wanderluster).  Four countries in four weeks, starting with Malaysia, then on to Thailand, followed by a few days in Singapore before I head home. I will have less than 24 hours at home, as I fly out the next day for New Zealand!

Traveling with two little ones for the South East Asian portion of my trip means I will be packing as light as I can.  The great thing about traveling to warmer climate means lightweight clothes and compact shoes like sandals and thongs, yay! I have also downsized my toiletries, packing my favourite Sunday Riley oil in a sample dropper bottle, and cleansing wipes instead of bringing my cleanser.  Usually I will pick just one perfume (not that I have that many, my two favourites are Prada D'Iris and Serge Lutens's Fleur D'oranger), but this time I have packed some Impulse Fragrances instead.  The great thing about them is that they're so lightweight, and don't require my usual careful wrapping (to protect a glass bottle) then placing them in a ziploc bag (to prevent spillage).  They are also so easy to pop into your handbag for a top-up when out and about for the day (which is much appreciated in hot humid weather!).

I used to associate Impulse with deodorizers, but they are a perfume in a spray (the first of its kind), having received a makeover mid-2014 by one of the top fragrance experts in the world, Anne Gottlieb (who in the last 22 years has crafted some of the world's best loved scents including CK Obsession, Eternity and CK One, Marc Jacobs Daisy, and one of my favourites, Christian Dior J'adore).

My favourite kind of scent is the kind that is discreet, and  makes me smell clean and fresh, like I just came out of the shower (which is why I love my Prada D'Iris), and I have found my match in Impulse's 'Merely Musk', which blends lime and sandalwood to produce a clean and fresh perfume, that is unexpectedly discreet, fresh and floral.

What about you, what kind of scents do you prefer? Fruity? Floral? Oriental?

 Overnight leather bag: Nomadic (weekender available from The Iconic), Handbag: Balenciaga (available at Net-a-Porter), Sandals: Birkenstock all-black leather (available at The Iconic, Nordstrom, The Dreslyn, Need Supply and Barneys), Camera: Instax Mini Neo 90 (available at Selfridges and Urban Outfitters), Watch: Larsson Jennings (available at Matches Fashion, Net-a-Porter and ), Hat: Lack of Color Boater (available at Free People and Need Supply)

Lightweight and inexpensive, you can throw any of these 9 fragrances in your bag and off you go..

 Daily essentials.

Overalls: Zara (sold out online, but similar one here), Tank: Gap, Hat: Lack of Color Boater (wide brim version available at Free People and Need Supply), Bag: Balenciaga (available at Net-a-Porter), Espadrilles: Chanel, Fragrance: Impulse


You can find Impulse fragrance at Priceline. 

And more info on:

Instagram - @ImpulseFragranceAUS
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/myimpulseImpulse 
Impulse Website - http://www.impulsefragrances.com.au/ 


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New in: Balenciaga Ceinture (cut-out) Boots

These Balenciaga cut-out boots have joined my Chloe Susanna's and Isabel Marant Dicker boots as my top 3 favourite boots, I'm in love and can't seem to get them off my feet:

Balenciaga ceinture boots available at Matchesfashion


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My recipe for Pão de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread or 'cheese balls')

I am SO sorry, if anyone tried this recipe I posted years ago, I only just realized that I had made a very big mistake as to the quantity for the flour, which means the recipe would've been a disaster.   I can't believe I have been referring friends and readers to this blog for the recipe and had not realized that until now. I am so so sorry! I have read and re-read this, and since I now know this by heart (I can make these with my eyes closed now), this is now correct. 

Pão de Queijo are one of my favourite things to eat. Ever. These Brazilian little gummy cheese 'balls' are so delicious, they are literally always a hit.

I made these again today, as friends and family were invited to join pre-preschoolers at my daughter's Montesori centre for a picnic lunch.  Lil' Brigs #1 was SO excited and looking forward to it, her excitement was uber contagious.  The weather cooperated, and it was absolutely lovely.


Pão de Queijo (GF)

Ingredients

1 kg tapioca flour (I buy this at Asian grocery stores - it says 'tapioca starch' on the packet, ideally I'd use sour cassava flour if I could find it, which I can't here in Australia)

600 mls of milk

200 ml melted butter

1 tsp of yeast (optional)

1 tsp salt

500g grated parmesan or pecorino cheese (or a mixture of both)

4 eggs

Method

1. Place the tapioca starch in a large bowl.

2. Add 300ml of cold milk to the 'flour/starch', crumb it with your fingers.

3. In a saucepan, heat the 300ml of milk and the butter/oil until it reaches almost boiling point, then turn off the heat. 

4. Add the hot milk/butter mixture to the flour in the bowl, then add the salt and yeast.

5. Mix with a wooden spoon until it cools.

6. Add the eggs one by one, stirring in between.

7. Lastly, add the grated cheese and knead the dough until smooth and homogenous.

8. Roll into little balls.

9. Place on a greased (or lined) baking tray allowing a little room for it to 'grow'.

10. Place in a preheated oven at 180ºC or 360ºF (fan-forced) until golden (usually 20-25 mins)

The texture should be crispy/crunchy on the outside, gummy/gooey on the inside....

You can also freeze the balls and store in the freezer so you can bake as required after thawing them at room temperature for 15 mins (that is what I do, as these are best eaten freshly baked). 

Enjoy!

If you make them, please do leave a comment below ;) 

Or if you already make Pão de Queijo, please feel free to share your recipe!  

 OOTD:  Top and tote: Everlane (Fall's Seed stitch raglan in merino and Petra Market tote), Shoes: Chanel espadriles, Jeans: Frame Denim (available at Shopbop and Net-a-Porter), Watch: Larsson Jennings (available here at Net-a-Porter), Ring: Balenciaga  (updated version available from Matches Fashion and Barneys), Picnic rug: Christmas present from my lovely sister.

Happy Friday everyone!


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My trick for breaking in shoes in fast-forward' and painless mode...

It's all about comfort these days, grey marl (or marle) sweatshirt and cashmere...uber comfy!

Remember my recent post when I purchased my Dieppa Restrepo Cali oxfords?  I had heard how notoriously hard/painful they were to break in, but that once they did, they'd be more than worthwhile.  Since it is all about comfort for me nowadays, I can't remember the last time I've had to break in a pair of shoes.  So as soon as it arrived I used a trick I learned several years ago, to fast-forward the process.  So instead of months (yes, I heard some people saying it took them months! Yikes!), it took me less than a couple of hours.  It is nothing new, but I don't think all employ it: it is the hairdryer 'trick':

Simply take your hairdryer, and blow the sections that would rub or are snug from within the shoe (others blow from 20 cms or so away from the outside, but I do from within), for about 2 mins or so, my feet are wide, so I am for where my feet are widest.  Then quickly slip your feet while the shoes are warm with some socks on.  Many use thick socks for initial discomfort that pays off, but I merely used sockettes.  Presto! I wore them around the house for a little while, and very quickly they went from a little-too-snug and stiff to very very comfy, like I've had them for years!

Easy peasy!

I had already bought these half a size smaller than my usual size, on the recommendation of Need Supply Co. (where I bought my shoes from), even though I had heard mixed opinions as to whether they ran big or not (some said not).  I do find these fairly narrow but long (my feet are very wide).  Whenever I first put these on now, they feel narrow for one minute before relaxing into uber comfy shoes.  Needless to say, I have been wearing them almost every day since their arrival!

I'm now eyeing what other colours I should get it in next, haha, black patent?

PS. Remember my post on 'How to wear Oxford shoes' a few years ago? Never say never...

 Watch: Daniel Wellington (available at East Dane (i.e. Shopbop's counterpart), Need Supply Co. and at Selfridges), Madewell 1937 sweatshirt (sold out, I'm afraid), Alexander Wang swing tank cashmere dress (from years ago), Celine knot bracelet, Balenciaga bow ring (available at Matches Fashion), and Sarah & Sebastian line ring next to my wedding/e-ring.

 Glasses from Jimmy Fairly (remember this post?) Dieppa Restrepo Cali Oxfords in Antilop (available from Need Supply Co. and The Dreslyn) and Issue 2 of Peut-être Magazine (Issue 9 is at the printers! We're so excited! Watch this space!)

Dieppa Restrepo Cali Oxfords in Antilop (available from Need Supply Co. and The Dreslyn)

photos via iPhone/Instagram

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Nice 'n' Easy in Scanlan & Theodore

Don't you just love an outfit you can simply go throw on and head out? I do! Wore this twice this week already!

Hope you have an easy breezy relaxing weekend everyone!

xx

 Dress: Scanlan & Theodore cotton & silk shirt dress (one season old), Bracelet: Celine knot, Rings: Balenciaga bow ring from Matches Fashion and Sarah and Sebastian Jewellery Line ring

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Pressed Juices - you can't get enough of a good thing

During my recent trip to Sydney one of THE things I most wanted to do was try Pressed Juices, as we didn't have it here then.  Situated around the corner from where I was staying meant that I was there almost daily, sampling a rainbow-ful of juices and discovering their Raw Coconut Parfait (I must've bought at least 5 during that week!).  I have always been a juice and green smoothie fan, and just couldn't get enough of it!

Fast forward a few weeks, and I finally got to visit the newly opened store here in Adelaide!  I sure hope they open more locations (as I don't get to the city much nowadays), but am so happy they are closer than say, Sydney! Needless to say I armed myself with a few bottles of juices and a Raw Coconut Parfait to bring home.

I am toying with the idea of trying their Master Cleanse - has anyone tried their Cleanses?  Basically it'd be an excuse to drink this stuff all day long...yuuuuuum!

Anyone else a PJ fan? 

  Bad pic - great juices - pic taken in the Surry Hills store

I could eat this all day every day! Young coconut flesh with chia seeds soaked in berry juice, blueberries, buckinis and pepitas, all in a coconut shell (I have 3 young coconuts in my fridge at a time, as I absolutely LOVE them, and so do Lil' Brigs 1 & 2)

 Another favourite and must-have (especially when on the run - like I was during the MBFWA): espresso almond mylk, a coffee and breakfast on the run that is oh-so-good!

Outfit - Boots: Isabel Marant, Pants: Scanlan & Theodore, Silk Shirt: Willow, Bag: Chanel Boy

 The Adelaide store - wish this were my fridge!

 Another of my faves: avocado, banana, coconut water (love), cucumber, kale, lime, mesclun and pineapple - the coconut/lychee/pineapple is also sooooooo good!

 My Pressed Juices haul this week, am going to try to get there again to restock today...

Outfit: Stella McCartney swing trench, Scanlan & Theodore pants, Isabel Marant Dicker boots, Proenza Schouler PS11 bag

Breakfast in a shell

Boots: Isabel Marant Dickers in Gris (available here, anthracite available here and here...), Blush: Hourglass Ambient Blush in Mood Exposure (purchased here), Yachiko Brush: Nars, Handgel: Aesop, Bracelet: Celine, Rings: Balenciaga bow (from Matchesfashion), Sarah & Sebastian Petite Pearl ring, Aurelie Bidermann Love ring (available here), Elemis Illuminating Flash Balm, Proenza Schouler PS11 bag (available from Net-a-Porter and Net-a-Porter US, and directly from Proenza Schouler HERE) and Ray Ban folding wayfarer sunglasses

pics all mine via iPhone/Instagram

NOT A SPONSORED POST

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Country Road, take me home...I sure did!

I was just looking at my Instagram feed tonight, and realized that I seem to be a walking sitting ad for Country Road! When I first received their lookbook as an email subscriber, I knew my wallet was in trouble.  I managed to bypass womenswear (I know, shock horror!), but fell hard for their 'Home' range.  With its heavy Scandinavian flavoured homewares range in delectable pastels, and childrenswear with polkadots, gingham and chambray (and a lot of Stella McCartney Kids inspired designs) I already started shopping in my head.  Luckily (or not - for my wallet), they had a 'Spend and Save' deal a few weeks later, and I'm afraid the pictures below only shows a small portion of the damage done:

My new 'china' seems right at home with my midcentury Danish y-chair by Hans Wegner.  Got some cute clothes for my daughter, all of which I would've loved to ask: "Does this come in my size"?

 I love the beautiful pinks that have been prevalent in the sartorial world lately, but it isn't a colour I wear often myself.  Now I get to use it everyday without wearing a stitch of pink!

Polkadots are something else I don't really wear, but find oh so cute!

Lef to right: Nars Yachiko brush, Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani, Nars blush duo (obviously I use this a lot!) in Orgasm/Laguna.

Iced latte anyone?

 Last week I picked up a slice of my favourite Argentinian cake, called the 'Felicia Special' it is heaven on a plate, consisting of alternating layers of vanilla sponge, fresh whipped cream, sliced peaches and fresh meringue...oh yeah!

Also got myself some Alfajores while I was at Delicias Argentinas, enjoyed them while revisiting an old issue of Peut-être magazine (Issue 6)

What I wore last Friday: Celine Bam Bam sandals, Aurelie Bidermann Love Ring (available at Shopbop), Balenciaga Bow Ring (I bought from Matches Fashion), Benah cuff, Celine navy Trio bag  (available here) and Country Road polkadot pouch.

Did anyone else partake of the 'spend and save' deal? This was my first time (I usually ignore those emails), and am now trying really hard to resist the 'buy 2 get 1 free' deal! 

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Valentino & Lace

I'm not sure why when I upload my photos to Blogger the quality goes horrendous! Anyway, apologies for the poor quality photo.  Over the weekend, my bro-in-law turned 40! His shindig was fantastic, and we had a ball, I felt like 'dressing up', and stepped out of my usual style, and 'frocked up' in some lace, some Valentino and even an Assad Mounser 'crown':

 Valentino Trompe L'oeil Patent Mary Janes

 Donna Karan Collection wrap dress with full skirt worn over an Alannah Hill lace 'I like it I'll take it' shirt I've had for over 10 years, love the French lace on this, so have held onto it all this time.

 Other 'accoutrements: Chanel Boy bag, Assad Mounser 'crown', Ek Thongprasert bracelet (purchased from Farfetch, now sold out, in a different color available at Moda Operandi, Luisa Via Roma here, and here) , Balenciaga bow ring (from Matches Fashion), and Popbasic wishbone ring (will share  more about this soon).

Hope you all had a fab weekend!

xx


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What I wore: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Koi Suwannagate Rosette tank + Celine

Getting out of bed is always hard, especially on weekends...gone are my weekend sleep-ins with the little ones eager to start the day early.  

3.1 Phillip Lim x Koi Suwannagate (originally purchased from Net-a-Porter many years ago), Celine navy Trio bag (available here), Celine Bam Bam sandals (purchased from Barneys NY), Aurelie Bidermann love (heart) gold ring (purchased from Moda Operandi) and Balenciaga Bow ring (purchased from Matches Fashion)

Happy macaron Monday!

 xx

all pics my own via iPhone/Instagram

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Céline me away...

Happy Humpday everyone! Went to the dentist to finalize a crown that has been the bane of my existence for the past few years, thought I'd cheer myself up with some cheerful yellow today:

 I've posted these years ago, and they are still going strong, love my Benah Kodi cuffs.

Outfit details - Top: Bonds raglan t-shirt, Pants: Scanlan & Theodore black low boyfriend jeans, Shoes: Celine Bam Bam sandals (from Barneys NY), Bag: Celine navy regular Trio (available here), Balenciaga Bow ring (from Matches Fashion), Aurelie Bidermann love ring (from Moda Operandi), Sunglasses: Jimmy Fairly

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